Caraway

Digestion This tasty fruit which we all call a seed is found in rye bread partly because it is helpful in digestion. Add a few drops of caraway oil to a teaspoon of hot water for flatulence and indigestion. Or use the after dinner liquor, Kummel, made from caraway seed. It has a marvelous aroma and taste.

Anise and caraway oil (if the oils are not available, the two combined bruised seeds can be steeped in boiling water) are known to have helped stomach spasms. Together they act as an antiseptic and stimulant.

To help with digestive problems in infants, make either a caraway milk or caraway julep.

Caraway Milk For colic, crush some seeds and simmer them in milk for about twenty minutes. Strain, and give the liquid to the child. This can also be used for adult colic.

Caraway Julep Steep two tablespoons of the bruised seeds for six hours in a pint of cold water. Strain the liquid, and give it to the infant in tiny, child sized teaspoons to alleviate colic or digestive problems.

Poultices When I was a child I remember my father making caraway and hot bread poultices for earaches. Bruised and simmered caraway tea may also be used to relieve swellings of the breasts or testicles. These health problems should be investigated by a physician to avoid future complications.